Date: Mon, 26 Aug 2002 16:16:28 +0000
From: Lady Misterious
Subject: I am here for you 16
CHAPTER 16-
The boys finished the last tour of the Black and Blue album after
traveling all around the world. Soon they would be working in another
album, but for now they deserved some good vacations.
After spending a couple of weeks with his family, Nick went back
to his house on the beach. There is no place like home, and this couldn't
be more true. Nick knew all the fellows were in Tampa, from time to time
they had some meeting calls, but nothing was planned for the next fifteen
days.
AJ was the one Nick was hanging out with. AJ and Howie. He had
never been this close to this two guys. Kevin was also treating Nick in a
different way, he was no longer a teen, he was an adult, and his friendship
with Kevin was more mature, only now they were having this little thing
because Kevin got really mad at Nick with the whole arrestment issue. He
wasn't liking the good life Nick was throwing himself at, but he knew it
was his choice and deep inside Nick was responsible.
It had been exactly twenty days Nick and Brian didn't see each
other. They talked a couple of times on the phone and that was all. They
missed each other. But at this moment neither of them knew how much.
------------------------------------------------------------
Nick was coming back from the restaurant he went to have lunch
with his twin brothers. His sister Angel and Aaron. They were staying at
their Grandma's and Nick called setting up lunch for them.
At two o' clock of a sunny and hot day in Florida, Nick was in his
fancy car driving back home. First he dropped his sister and brother at
their Grandma's house and after a brief "hi" to them he was now going to
his house. He needed to rest. He could never get enough of sleeping,
watching TV and listening to music while eating on bed.
Talking about music Nick turned on the radio of his car. He
changed the radio station a couple of times before giving up and looking
for one of his CDs. He wanted something like Linkin Park or Limp Bizkit,
but he couldn't remember if he had those CDs in the car.
Nick dug his hand in the amazing pile of CDs at the back seat and
took the first one he found.
Backstreet's Back.
Nick giggled looking at the cover. "Oh, my..." - he sighed
happily.
Slowly Nick put the CD to play. He listened to Everybody and
during all the song he could remember the days they took to make that
video. It had been the best making off ever! The hardest one, but the
funniest too. When it came As Long As You Love Me, Nick just jumped the
song. He didn't want to listen to it. It reminded him of Leighanne.
All I Have To Give... one of his favorite songs... When he heard
the singles Nick began to jump songs again and listen to a small piece of
each one, he stopped when it began to play the notes for Thats What She
Said. Nick smiled. How long he didn't hear that song? Months! Maybe a whole
year!
Nick heard Brian's voice coming softly from the radio. He smiled
dreamily. He could remember all the times they spent together, he could
hear that voice inside his head whenever he closed his eyes. Brian's voice
was so... so deep. Nick smiled again remembering how many times Brian
talked to him softly, calming him down, those other times he talked
harshly, forcing Nick to get a move on, and that times, just as in the
country house when he talked to him with so much love...
'Love?' - Nick thought surprised. - 'Yeah, of course love, you
fool! Brian loves you! Just like you love him!'
Nick turned on the volume.
'Well, then if he loves me why ain't he here with me now? Ok, he
is married, big deal! But I'm his best friend, he has to spend time with
me, right?' - Nick was thinking to himself as Brian's voice was still
coming from the radio.
'Yeah, he definitely should spend more time with me. He has a wife
and no time for me, I have fifty different girls and still have all the
time in this world for my best friend. Best friend? Yeah, right! Damn,
where is he now, huh? Huh? I hate him. I hate Brian.'
Nick kept quiet for a while and then he felt it. His heart. Seemed
like it was getting bigger inside his chest. All those silly butterflies in
his stomach causing a stupid smile to appear on his face.
"Oh, my God, I love him! I l o v e B r i a n!"
Nick's eyes widened and he laughed. Out of nowhere he had an
outburst of laughter, and he was almost home when he calmed down little by
little.
"Oh, God..." - Nick sighed seriously.
As soon as he parked his car in the garage he left and went
straight to his house, the terrace from where he could stare at the sea.
Even being sat down Nick could feel he was breathing fast. All the
thoughts running through his mind made no sense. He couldn't love Brian
even because he was sure he wasn't gay. But at the same time he loved Brian
more than anything in this world!
All of that came back. Brian's words. And for the first time Nick
understood what he had meant.
Those things about finding the one.
Nick was confused about his feelings, but he knew that if he had
to pick one person to be with for the rest of his life it would be
Brian. He was the only one able to understand all the little things Nick
does. Brian could see his soul through his eyes. Everything he told Nick
about that special person... Well, he knew that if he had Brian he wouldn't
care about anything else in this world. And it had always been like
that. The time they spend together, talking, playing, just being with each
other could make the world fade around Nick. He wouldn't care about money,
parties, fame, mansions and everything else if he had love. But never in
his life a person had made him think of giving it all up. His
principles. His family. His friends. His own life. To give up everything
for the biggest and most rewarding thing in the world. Loving and being
loved back.
What if... what if Brian was this person? What if Brian was his
meant to be? Nick never believed in soul mates, maybe because he didn't
believe he could find his. But what if... What if this person had always
been Brian?
Nick couldn't help but feeling those butterflies in his stomach
now taking his mind and heart. He loved Brian. And he loved him bad. How
else could he explain the hole in his life when Brian wasn't around? The
antipathy with his wife? Nick wanted, he needed Brian.
He was now looking back at everything they had been through
together. How many times they softly kissed each other, the embraces, the
caresses, the deep touches and loving words... It couldn't have been only
friendship. It was love. What happened to them in the country house was
love, how come he never thought about it before?! And nothing of this
happened only because of him. If Nick was in love with Brian he was sure
Brian felt the same. He had no fear about this. For sure Brian loved his
wife, but they needed to talk. Maybe their deep connection needed another
name. Maybe now it could be named love.
------------------------------------------------------------
She could see him walking around the streets of Tampa. Whenever
going to the movies or walking in the park she could glance him. For sure
it had happened. The letter. It had brought Taison back to this city. He
must have read the magazines to know the boys were all in Florida. And he
knew Nick lived in Tampa.
Taison arrived at the city having no clue on exactly how he
should, would act. The person who sent that letter ruined his life. His
father hated him, he was all alone in this world, and worst, without the
money that belonged to him. At least in his sick mind it did belong to
him.
As more days passed by Taison fought his fear and went to one of
the Jive Records buildings his father ruled. He was afraid they would know
Taison was no longer his father's heir and worst, they would know
why. Taison didn't dare to go into one of those buildings before because
maybe his father told everyone what his son did, but as time closed by and
he was running out of options, he decided to give it a go. His father
wouldn't ever tell anyone about what Taison did. Papers and Magazines for
sure would speculate, but sooner or later they would give it up too.
Following his every step Leighanne knew where Taison was going to
get information on Nick. But she also feared Taison going to Jive's
building to ask for this info. They would probably give him his address and
call Nick right after to tell him about his friend Taison having chances to
pay him a visit. She couldn't let that happen. Everything had been perfect
up until now and she was a perfectionist. Nothing could go wrong.
Basically, what bad could happen? Taking Nick out of her life and
Brian's was a need, not a whim. She needed to do that in the name of love,
and besides, she wouldn't actually do anything at all.
Leighanne arranged things in order she was leaving the building
when Taison was about to enter. The acting began.
"Oh, God! I know, you!" - she exclaimed gazing the extremely good-
looking man in front of her.
"Er, you do? Well, I think I know you too. You are Brian
Littrell's wife, right?" - Taison asked Leighanne. He was unsure. He
couldn't trust anyone close to the Backstreet Boys.
"Yes, I am!" - she answered proudly. - "You are Taison Harriel,
right? I've seen you in magazines. I know you were friends with the boys at
the beginning of their career. Whenever I talk with AJ and Howie they tell
me a great deal of stuff about you." - Leighanne smiled carefully omitting
Brian, Kevin and Nick's name.
"Oh, cool! Doesn't your husband talk about me?" - Taison asked
cleverly.
"Actually no. He said one or two things. I'm sorry but I don't
think you guys were too close, am I right?" - Leighanne asked innocently.
"Oh, oh sure. We weren't" - Taison shook his head in denial
smiling at the same time.
"Don't you miss the boys? I mean, why haven't you ever paid them a
visit? I know they miss you!"
"They do?!"
"Well, maybe not my husband, and I've never heard Kevin say
anything about you either, but the other boys miss you, Taison! It might
suck following your friend's life through magazines and papers, right?"
"Yes, it does. Really does." - Taison was very aware of the fact
she didn't mention Nick. He knew it was very, very risky, but hey! His life
was already screwed, he needed to try that. - "By the way, I was about to
go inside and maybe ask for the guys new addresses. I was thinking in maybe
paying a visit while I'm still in Tampa."
They locked eyes.
"Sure..." - Leighanne smiled. - "I'll give ya the address of all
the boys. Including mine. I'm sure they will love to hear from you
personally..." - she grinned again.
------------------------------------------------------------
As they had planned before, Nick had dinner at his grandma's
house. He loved the time spent there. His grandparents were wonderful
people, Nick loved them very much since he was little.
He was having an amazing time with his two youngest brothers,
Angel and Aaron. They talked a lot with their grandma and grandpa looking
back at the old times, hearing funny stories about Nick and their parents.
Nick was so proud of his family... Angel was a beautiful girl, and
Aaron, oh well, he had always been sort of his favorite from the family. He
wanted to follow this same career and he was making it! Aaron had his own
records and Nick was helping him out to make him one of the youngest pop
stars.
Soon enough all this family thoughts went away. Nick spaced off
most of the night. He was thinking about Brian. As each minute closed by he
loved him more and more. No, maybe it was wrong. He didn't love Brian more,
he was just realizing how big this feeling was inside of him. And the more
he did this, the more he smiled looking back at the old times. God, he
loved Brian! And as soon as possible Nick was going to talk to him. He just
needed to talk to Brian and only this thought could let him happy and
having those wonderful butterflies inside of him.
------------------------------------------------------------
"Nick...!!! Nick, where are you? You home?" - AJ was screaming as
he entered Nick's house with the keys he had given him. - "C'mon, dude,
Nick!!! Damn!"
AJ gave up. Although the place had lots of lights on Nick for sure
wasn't there. He probably went somewhere else to eat. Which really was a
shame once he was there to invite him to catch up with him in this new
disco opening in the city. The place was probably amazing and AJ felt bad
for not being able to share his company that night. Going clubbing by
himself sucked, but for nothing in this world he would miss on that
opportunity. He could take Nick there some other time.
As he was about to leave he heard the noise of someone entering
the house.
"Nick?" - AJ ran to the door. - "Taison!?!"
Taison did his best not to show how surprised he felt. He almost
fainted when all of sudden AJ called his name out loud. 'Guilty
conscience.' - he thought.
"J!!" - Taison forced a smile. He didn't know what was going to
happen now. For sure he had been too lucky finding the door opened, but
things would be a lot more difficult...
"Oh, man! I missed you bad, dude! How come you never showed up
again! I don't see you since London! Geez, Taison, you look the same!" - AJ
softly punched his shoulder.
Taison's eyes widened as he loosened. Oh, he was a lucky bastard
and he knew that.
"What are you doing here? Come in!"
Suddnely Taison felt confused.
"I, I thought this was Nick's house..."
"Oh, yes! For sure it is! I just have a copy of the keys and I
came here to invite him to go clubbing with me tonight, but I think he went
somewhere else to have dinner."
"Oh..."
"So, won't you hug me? We haven't met in years, man! Years!"
"Oh, sure..." - Taison grinned hugging AJ and gently slapping his
back.
"So, have a sit! Where have you been? Why haven't you showed up
before! And why do you want to see Nick?" - AJ asked smiley.
"Oh, well... lots of questions!" - Taison giggled. Soon the
nervousness disappeared and he began to act. - "Its a long story of
traveling around the world, getting into new jobs, spending time with my
family... I know I never called again, it was very rude from me, but hey, I
tried sometimes during the years to talk to you guys, but you too have been
so busy!"
"True that."
"Right now I'll be spending some time in Tampa and I happened to
run into Brian's wife..."
"Leighanne? Wonderful woman."
"Yeah, she is adorable. We talked a little and I mentioned I
missed you people and would probably want to make a visit before I leave
again, she said you guys missed me too, so I just asked and she gave me
your addresses. I don't know why I came to see Nick first... I think I miss
the little prankster of ours!" - Taison laughed and AJ followed him.
"Sure... Well, Nick's changed a lot. He is still that goofier, but
he is more mature now. Oh well, did I just say that? Nick is all grown up
but he's been enjoying the good life, as you probably heard on the news."
"Yes, I did. You too my friend, I know you've been overdoing it
too." - Taison was talking about the clinic AJ had been to.
"Oh, well... This is a long story, my friend. I would love to be
here talking to you as we wait for Nick..."
"Sure, I'd love it too! But hey, didn't you say you wanted to go
clubbing tonight? I don't wanna spoil your plans. For me you can go there
and have a good time, I'll still be a couple of weeks in the city and we
can have all the time to hang out."
"Oh, definitely! I really wanna go to that club, but I don't wanna
leave you here all alone waiting for Nick, it would be kinda rude..."
Taison laughed and friendly slapped AJ's hands.
"Go for it, my friend. I'll be fine waiting for our little friend,
Nick. Don't worry, if he went out for dinner he will probably be home
soon."
"Ok." - both men stood up. - "But you gotta promise you'll come
and visit me. You got my address, right?"
"Sure, buddy. I'll be there." - Taison smiled.
"Ok, see ya soon then. Bye bye!"
"Bye ya!"
Hugging his friend one last time AJ left and Taison closed the
door.
It was just perfect. Too perfect.
------------------------------------------------------------
Nick got home at ten o'clock. It was a wonderful night. Although
the day had been hot, at this time you could feel a soft breeze coming from
the windows or better yet, walking on the streets.
Nick yawned as he parked his car and entered home. He knew he had
left some lights on, but he didn't remember it were so many! God, he was
getting too absent minded.
Nick crossed the living room and went up to his bedroom. He could
watch some TV or listen to some music. Or even better, he could only lay
down and think about Brian.
Nick walked in and didn't even had time to turn on the lights when
he heard that voice.
"Hello, dude!"
Nick froze. He didn't move. He didn't think. He could only babble
one thing...
"Taison."
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Hm, Im so busy... don't know when I'm gonna update this. Maybe if
people e- mail me I can find some time to write... Lionessy@hotmail.com